Overall

4.6

Meet “the Legend.” If a ski resort is going to have a nickname like that, it’s got a lot to live up to - but believe me, Arapahoe Basin delivers! It’s been offering up some of the gnarliest big-mountain terrain in a part of the country known for white-knuckle skiing since 1946, after the site retired from its career as a defense contractor test site. Perched near the Continental Divide at Loveland Pass, its elevation helps give it a yearly average of 350 in of snow and some of the longest ski seasons anywhere in North America, often lasting into late spring and early summer (and, at least once, into August!). It maintains a small “locals’ mountain” vibe, complete with quirky staff, less stringent policies (at least compared to Vail resorts) and a more laissez faire atmosphere.

17/18 Historical Snowfall

Mid-December to April

With its long season, it might seem like you could go to A-Basin almost any time. The snow is usually deep with good coverage for the majority of winter, from mid-December through April. Of course, that timeframe also includes some of the coldest months of the year in the highest of high country, so you’ll want to pack and layer accordingly if you visit from December through February. Arapahoe Basin doesn’t usually get too crowded, though like any resort it has times that are busier than others. These are typically over the Christmas / New Year’s holiday, the US federal holiday weekends in mid-January and mid-February, and spring break in March. During those times, you might see some crowding on the beginner and intermediate runs due to the simple fact there just aren’t many of them to begin with. That said, with its reputation for extreme terrain, it doesn’t really draw a lot of beginners and intermediates to begin with.

Frisco (15-20 mi)

For beginners

Beginner terrain is limited here but if you must, the base area is a good learning area for beginners, with two magic carpets, the Molly Hogan Lift and a gentle slope for practising on. More experienced beginners can lap the greens off Black Mountain Express including the Wrangler, the longest green run here with wide and gentle turns through the trees.

For intermediates

The resort has a handful of intermediate runs. You'll have a few good choices off Black Mountain Express we definitely think you should try out Larkspur and Columbine, two long groomed runs in the Montezuma bowl.

For experts

The advanced and expert runs are what Arapahoe basin is known for! Anything off the Pallavicini lift is great with steep trees, massive bumps, cliff drops, cornices and tight turns. This is how we'd tackle it: warm up on the Beach before heading up to the Pali Chair. From here try out the bumps on Pali Main Street and then duck into the Timber Glades when you're halfway down! Once you're out of there, weave through the boulders at Rock Garden and onto Poli Wog.

Find freshies

Lap Pallavinci (Pali) until East Wall opens; then, dash over to the bowls in Land of the Giants and Lower East Wall.

Ditch the crowds

You won't see many crowds at A-Basin, but if you do, it'll probably be around the Zuma Lift, which is the only chair on the backside, or perhaps The Montezuma Bowl and mid-mountain areas.

Non skiers

Theres no tubing, sledding, heli or catskiing in Arapahoe Basin. There is the Frisco Adventure Park nearby, but Arapahoe basin is really all about the skiing and snowboarding.

Families

For families of differing ability levels should lap the runs off Black Mountain Express which serves a range of greens, blues and black runs. Cheaper lift tickets here are a great bonus for families though bear in mind there is no accommodation or resort amentities here.

4.3 / 5

Nov 21, 2017

BBBen B.

intermediate snowboarder

A-Basin is just a quick jump down I-70. Being one of the highest altitude resorts in the US it boasts some great snow conditions even in early and late season. With not much of a ski town to speak of Arapahoe Basin creates a "locals only" kind of feel that keeps the masses at bay. The Montezuma bowl on the back side of A-Basin offers the wild at... More

Superb!

4.8 / 5

Nov 21, 2017

JBJared B.

intermediate snowboarder

Arapahoe Basin's prices are fair and quality of service is very good as well. The 6th Alley Bar always has some great drinks when the lift lines are too long. ... More

Very Good!

4 / 5

Nov 21, 2017

ARAlain R.

advanced skier

A-Basin is a great resort! I love how friendly all the staff are and how affordable the tickets are eapecially for the military. The terrain is challenging and me and my family always have a great time there.... More

Fabulous!

4.2 / 5

Nov 20, 2017

BBBen B.

advanced snowboarder

A-basin is one of the best kept small resorts in Colorado. Great get away from the hustle and bustle of Denver and the larger resorts. Being one of the highest elevation resorts in the US Arapahoe Basin has some of the greatest conditions as well!... More

Fabulous!

4.5 / 5

Nov 20, 2017

MHKMichael H. K.

expert snowboarder

Great atmosphere of local skiing and vibes. Must check out the back bowl, and hiking to an amazing drop from some spines. The views will sweep away any family's idea of mountain views and beautiful skiing.... More

Fabulous!

4.3 / 5

Nov 18, 2017

JJoshua

advanced snowboarder

A- basin is a great local, privately owned ski area. The staff are super friendly and helpful, The lifts give you acces to ski-able terrain for all levels of skiers and riders, from the green mountain express to The montezuma bowl. The mountain is very family oriented but also has its wild side, enough to accommodate for all types. I highly... More

Very Good!

3.9 / 5

Nov 18, 2017

CWChris W.

intermediate snowboarder

A-basin is great. The lift lines are not long and very accessible. Parking is not bad either, if you get there early enough you can park as close at 100 ft from the lift.... More

Very Good!

4 / 5

Nov 18, 2017

BCBill C.

expert skier

Love "Spacin' at the Basin" It really does not get too much better in Summmit County. Best skiing, especially in Spring when everyone has their grills fired up on the beach and is ready for some apres ski relaxation.... More

Superb!

4.8 / 5

Nov 18, 2017

ASAaron S.

intermediate skier

A Basin is the best, great uphill policy too. One of my favorite aspects is that they cater to the uphill crowd, laps all day! The upper mountain is also always epic.... More

Good!

3.5 / 5

Nov 18, 2017

RCRuss C.

advanced skier

One of my favorite resorts in CO. if there is traffic on I 70 we take Loveland pass which is very scenic and much quicker than going through Dillon. I'd highly recommend the resort to anyone. ... More